Proclamation Designating 28, 2020 As Saturday

Whereas, the City of Royal Oak, Michigan, celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community; according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are currently 28.8 million small businesses in the United States, they represent 99.7 percent of all businesses with employees in the United States, are responsible for 63 percent of net new jobs created over the past 20 plus years; and

Whereas, small businesses employ over 49 percent of all businesses with employees in the United States; and

Whereas, 89 percent of consumers in the United States agree that small businesses contribute positively to the local community by supplying jobs and generating tax revenue; and

Whereas, 87 percent of consumers in the United States agree that small businesses are critical to the overall economic health of the United States; and

Whereas, 93 percent of consumers in the United States agree that it is important for people to support the small businesses that they value in their community; and

Whereas, the City of Royal Oak, Michigan, supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy and preserve our neighborhoods; and

Whereas, small businesses continue to support the community during the pandemic while facing adversity but creatively changing their business operations to serve the public safely and now more than ever small businesses need the support of the public; and

Whereas, advocacy groups as well as public and private organizations across the country have endorsed the Saturday after as Small Business Saturday.

Now, therefore, be it resolved, I, Mayor Fournier and the members of the Royal Oak City Commission hereby proclaim Saturday, November 28, 2020 as Small Business Saturday in the City of Royal Oak, Michigan, and urge our residents and residents from other communities across the country to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.